The Backalley Editor

A: This is a reference page I’ve created because my word-of-mouth copy editing work has gotten a bit out of hand. This exists to formalize it.

I take in a limited volume of semi-polished fiction and give it back in better shape.

What I do is edit a piece for grammar & punctuation, as well as making note of any repetitive word use, unnecessary exposition, or unwieldy sentence structure. I also wag my finger at mixed metaphors. When in doubt, I refer to the Chicago Manual of Style. I will not get on your case for inventing words (I love inventing words) as long as it’s consistent within the piece. I work mostly with science fiction and fantasy. I don’t do academic papers, x-rated stories, or fan fiction.

Q: WHAT DO I NEED YOU FOR?

A: You may not.

If you have an epic novel and plan on self-publishing, you need someone more strict, available, and expensive than me. If you’re writing news and need to follow AP style, ditto. There are lots of projects for which I am just not the right fit.

However.

If you have a short story or important blog post, and you want to make sure you don’t go out in public with your fly down, I’m your girl. If you have a longer manuscript that needs a final polish before submitting, I’m good for that, too, schedule permitting.

I’ll be straight with you about this: If you can afford a full-time professional editor, you should hire one. I’m here for the people who can’t.

And for the love of puppies, don’t kid yourself about needing an editor. Everyone needs an editor. You can read your own work enough times to wear holes in it with your eyeballs, but you will never, ever, ever see all the issues.

Q: OKAY, I NEED YOU. HOW DOES THIS WORK?

A: First, you contact me. There’s a form on my main website. Twitter is also an option.

I can work with .doc/.docx/.odt files, or in Google Docs using their awesome collaboration tools. If you email me a document, I will record my changes so that you can review them later and decide to accept or reject them. In Google Docs, I will use Suggestions editing mode, which has the same result.

I only agree to take on projects when I have the time, so projects under 5k words can often be done within 24 hours. Longer manuscripts take time, but I average 15k words per day. If you have a deadline, please let me know ahead of time.

When you get the piece back, you are free to accept or reject any of my notes. If you have questions, I’m here for you.

Q: WHAT IF I CAN’T AFFORD YOU?

Okay, here’s the deal.

I know some people just aren’t in a position to afford any editor (even a discount back alley one), but I can’t help every single one of them.

That said, I will take on a limited number of projects (under 5k words only) as pro bono work for certain people who often struggle financially.

If you are an LGBTQA+ writer, a disabled writer, or a writer of color, and you are flat-out not in a position to pay an editor, please contact me anyway. I will give your short story, blog, or what have you a thorough once-over for free. It may take extra time if I have a long list of ongoing projects, but we’ll get it done.

Q: WHY CAN’T I TELL ANYONE ABOUT THIS PAGE?

A: Because too damn many people are trying to get me to work for them already. I’m not trying to advertise. I’m supposed to be writing books. Editing is basically hobby work that I’m selling at a deep discount. So shush. It’s our secret.